Wildwoods International Kite Festival

It had been years since we attended the Wildwoods International Kite Festival. We enjoyed catching up with friends, meeting new ones, and even flying a kite or two. Just walking along the boardwalk is a colorful treat. It was fun listening to the comments as we walked along. Oh, the smiles those big kites and those kite ballets bring. 

We took the opportunity to pass along the American flag banner set to Dennis and Deb, who were happy to add to their collection. Upon leaving, we took the Cape May Lewes Ferry to Dover, DE. Cross off two more states on our journey.

Fixing a loose bolt

Harold and Ed

Mike doing some kite reading

Riding their motorized wagon

Just ducky

Dennis helping Harold with the Iris Edo

Selfie spot

Passing the banners to their new owners - Dennis and Deb

Navy ducks

Relaxing

Grumpy with his big bubble wand

Duck crossing

Spinning away

On the Cape May Lewes Ferry

Where Are We Going Next?  

Moochdocking Again

 May 6 - 17, 2025

This year, more than any year past, has found us taking advantage of friends' driveways. The original intent was to spend four nights at Glen and Tanna's driveway before moving to the local KOA. Well, Glen and Tanna ultimately persuaded us to stay with them the entire time we were in the area.  Since I like to go to bed much earlier than they do, it was nice to be able to walk to the coach as opposed to Harold driving me back to the coach and then returning to talk more with Glen and Tanna. Their wonderful, oversized shower was a super nice treat too!

Glen and Tanna took us to the farmers' market of which I had heard from Joan and Adrianne, who had enjoyed Glen and Tanna's hospitality too. Tanna pointed our lots of residences and farms belonging to family members. I can't begin to keep it all straight. Suffice it to say, Tanna's roots run deep in the area. Glen showed us Hawk Mountain Sanctuary where we took in some tremendous views. We needed a good hike after eating so much. 

Tanna took me shopping in Intercourse, PA, where I managed to come out relatively unscathed baked goods wise. I'm not sure I'd have enough resolve to live in an area with such good breads, pies, cookies, and cakes. 

We all spent time with fellow kite fliers, Cliff and Steve, who both lived nearby. Great times were had to be sure. 

Glen holding a Bill Bigge kite

Hawk Mountain Overlook with Tanna

More Hawk Mountain

Glen showing Harold how it's done

Glen, Cliff, Steve, Harold

Work room

Moochdocking

After mowing, lawn damage still visible

Where Are We Going Next?  

Martin Guitar Factory

May 14, 2025 

Years ago Harold toured Ovation Guitar with a Navy buddy. Still fascinated with processes and how things are made, Harold was pleased to learn that Martin Guitar Factory in Nazareth, PA, offered tours. So one rainy afternoon, we headed there with Glen and Tanna. 

Making guitars is quite the process. It takes months to make a guitar with lots of drying times involved between glues and varnishes at the various stages. Martin makes approximately 140,000 guitars per year and employs several hundred people. Employees rotate among several jobs within their department, and generally stick with the two or three stations at which they excel. 

Where Are We Going Next?  

Steamtown National Historic Site

May 10, 2025

While staying with Glen and Tanna, Harold wanted to visit Steamtown National Historic Site in Scranton, PA. Steamtown is home to the Union Pacific Big Boy 4012. Since his dad was a hostler on a Big Boy in Cheyenne, Harold has always had a special interest in the Big Boys. 

Steamtown has a roundhouse and a turntable and quite a few locomotives. They offer a 20 minute ride on a steam train for a few extra dollars. I was impressed with how well the roundhouse and the turntable had been restored and maintained. A number of volunteers work very hard and their love of railroading shows. 

Where Are We Going Next?